Booking a professional headshot session is an investment in your personal brand — whether it's for LinkedIn, your website, speaking engagements, or business cards. And while I’ll be guiding you throughout the shoot, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure you feel confident and come away with images you truly love.

Here are five things I recommend doing before your headshot session to get the most out of your time in front of the camera:

1. Choose the Right Outfit (and Bring Options)

Your clothing plays a big role in how your headshots come across. Pick something that feels like you — polished but comfortable. Stick with solid colors, avoid loud patterns or logos, and bring a couple of backup options to the session.

Some quick tips:

• Earth tones, jewel tones, and neutral shades tend to photograph beautifully.
• Make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well.
• Layers like a blazer or jacket can add structure and variety.

If you're unsure, feel free to send me outfit photos beforehand — I’m happy to help you choose!

2. Take Care of Grooming in Advance

You don’t need to overhaul your appearance, but a little self-care the day before can help you feel camera-ready.

• Get a haircut a few days in advance, not the day of.
• Touch up roots or facial hair if needed.
• Consider professional makeup or grooming services (especially if you're doing multiple looks).
• Moisturize your skin, drink water, and avoid trying new skincare products right before the session.

If you wear makeup, aim for a natural, polished look that enhances your features. And if you don’t — that’s perfectly fine, too. I’ll make sure the lighting and editing work in your favor either way.

3. Practice Your Expressions in the Mirror

Yes, really! Spend a few minutes looking in the mirror and practicing different smiles, eye expressions, and angles. Notice what feels most natural to you — that self-awareness makes a big difference in front of the lens.

And don’t worry — during your session, I’ll guide you with prompts and make sure you’re never left wondering what to do.

4. Communicate Your Goals for the Photos

What are you using these headshots for? Corporate bios? Creative branding? A dating profile? Knowing the purpose helps me tailor the session to your needs — from background choices to posing styles.

If you have a brand color palette, specific vibe, or sample headshots you love, feel free to share them ahead of time. The more I know, the more intentional we can be with your photos.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep (And Give Yourself Time!)

It’s simple, but often overlooked: rest makes a huge difference. A good night’s sleep will help your eyes look brighter and your mood feel lighter.

On the day of your session, give yourself enough time to get ready without rushing. Arrive relaxed, hydrated, and feeling like the best version of yourself — that’s where the magic really happens.

Final Thoughts

A great headshot isn’t just about looking polished — it’s about feeling confident and showing up as your most authentic self. I’m here to help you feel at ease, guide you through poses and expressions, and make sure you walk away with images that reflect who you are and what you do.

Have questions or ready to book your session? Contact me at monicawilliamsphoto@gmail.com — I’d love to work with you!